Jacksonville, Fla. – Stetson junior middle blocker Kayla Balfour has been named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Week following a dominant weekend at the net. Balfour anchored the Hatters' defense in a 2-1 showing, highlighted by a career-high 13 blocks in a win over Quinnipiac.
"Blocking is not something that is easy to teach, in my opinion, because it's difficult to see instant results," Head Coach Yang Deng said. "Kayla has the patience and has put in a lot of hard work to continue to improve herself in this skill."
Balfour's weekend performance was consistent from start to finish. After opening with 13 blocks against Quinnipiac, she added seven more across the next two matches, totaling 20 blocks over 12 sets played. Her presence at the net also helped Stetson reach 20 total team blocks against Quinnipiac — a feat the Hatters hadn't accomplished since October 8, 2021, against Liberty.
Stetson will look to carry the momentum into this weekend's Owls Paradise Classic in Boca Raton. The Hatters will face Florida Atlantic, Bethune-Cookman, and George Washington, starting Friday, September 19 at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
